Description
This Orange Sesame Chicken is a healthy, quick, and flavorful twist on a classic takeout favorite. Made with fresh orange juice, toasted sesame oil, and tender chicken breast, this stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes for a bright, tangy, and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (from one large orange): adds natural citrus flavor
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce: provides umami depth
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: brings nutty aroma and authentic taste
- 1 clove garlic, crushed: enhances savory notes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: balances flavors
- 1/4 cup water: helps thin the sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: adds gentle acidity
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar: creates glossy, sweet glaze
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: thickens the sauce
- 3/4 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces: lean protein base
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil: for sautéing
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: for finishing flavor
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (optional): adds crunch and presentation
Instructions
- In a small zip-top bag, combine 1/4 cup orange juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and salt. Add chicken and marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together remaining orange juice, water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, salt, and cornstarch to make the sauce. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard liquid. Sauté chicken pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Lower heat to medium. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir continuously until thickened, coating the chicken evenly.
- Once the sauce is glossy and rich, stir in the remaining toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately over rice with steamed broccoli or your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice for best flavor; bottled juice can alter the taste.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing sugar slightly.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Add orange zest for extra brightness and citrus aroma.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian / Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Orange Sesame Chicken, healthy orange chicken, sesame chicken recipe, quick Asian dinner, citrus chicken stir fry, homemade orange chicken